Ronda Chervin received a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Fordham University and an MA in Religious Studies from Notre Dame Apostolic Institute. A widow, mother, and grandmother, she currently teaches philosophy at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. Write to her at chervinronda@gmail.com.

The “jolly good guy” kind of pastor can be an irritant. […] Ministers of the Gospel are not used car salesmen whose heartiness is a mile wide and an inch deep. A bemused layman told me that a bishop joked with him, but turned away like a startled deer when asked an important question…
— Fr. George Rutler (7 August 2017)

What you will read now is part of a series of 100 spiritual challenges. Each blog can be viewed separately, but for maximum benefit a reader needs to start with the introductory blog of November 18, 2011, and then continue step by step. Day One begins on Sunday, November 20, 2011.[ Click here for 100 STEPS ]

“The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit…is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

Dr. Ronda’s examples: I tried for a whole day to just talk much less. It feels peaceful and kind of sweet and more like someone of 74 (I presently on leave and mostly teaching Distance Learning where I don’t talk.) As I was waking up I decided not even to bring my silenced cell phone to Church. Let it “rest in silence” for a few hours. I welcomed the idea that cultivating a quiet spirit meant less frenetic planning for the future; more letting things unfold. The parish here in California is very large, full of spiritual helps that the elderly can benefit from. And my daughter’s joyful love for me could also make it possible to be less noisy and more receptive.

Your examples:

My prayer: Sweet Mary, I am consecrated to you. I want to become more like you. That is certainly to have a quiet vs. a bossy spirit. Intercede for me that I may come to love quiet as much as talk.

Your prayer:

Read more blog entries by Dr. Ronda Chervin by visiting RondaView. Dr. Ronda Chervin has many free e-books and audios on her website, rondachervin.com. If you go to her website and read or listen and then want to correspond with her she will be available. Her schedule does not permit, however, responding to comments on the Blog, though she enjoys reading them. Dr. Ronda’s newest project is spiritualityrunningtogod.com.

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